Chief Shakes Raven pole by Ditidaht/Nuu-chah-nulth artist Raymond Williams. This finely crafted model totem pole is by Ditidaht/Nuu-chah-nulth master carver Raymond Williams, the father of the current generation of Williams carvers. It depicts an iteration of the Tlingit Chief Shakes pole of Wrangell, Alaska – a popular motif for the Williams family. The top figure is Raven’s Grandfather, who perched on the Box of Daylight. The middle figure is Raven, and below is frog. This model illustrates how Raven stole the sun, moon, and stars and released them into the world. This pole was probably made for Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in the 1950s. Stamped on the back "Genuine Indian…" 27"
PERIOD: Mid 20th Century
ORIGIN: Northwest - Nuu-chah-Nulth, Native American